Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in Tennessee

Does the perfect Thanksgiving exist? The folks in Tennessee might think so. Throughout the state, you’ll find everything you need to make this Thanksgiving a holiday worth remembering. From delectable turkey and desserts to holiday-themed events and festivities, there’s no shortage to the fun you can have with your family as you pause to give thanks. This guide will help you on your journey to the quintessential Thanksgiving in Tennessee.

There’s nothing to start your long Thanksgiving holiday than with a little Drinksgiving pre-gaming. Head to Blackhorse Pub & Brewery for tasty eats, frosty brews, and down home service that makes you feel like part of the crew. Their appetizers alone are worthy of a full meal, and they also have tasty burgers, pizza, flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches.

Why buy expensive Thanksgiving decor when you can make your own and have fun doing it? Take a trip to Pitter Potter Studio to create unique, one of a kind ceramics, like a turkey platter or festive door hanger. If you’re heading to someone else’s home for a free Thanksgiving meal, consider making them a unique painted pottery gift as a thank you for a stress-free holiday.

Your guests might be expecting a homemade pie for dessert, but that doesn’t mean you have to be the one who makes it. Let the folks at Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop handle the final course for you, so you can spend more time with family and friends—and more time savoring your tasty pie purchase!

Your entire feast’s success depends on the taste of the turkey you cook, and a wholesome whole turkey straight from Katharos Farm will have your guests talking turkey for weeks! The ethos at this farm is rock solid, providing chemical-free, all-natural, healthy turkey so you can feed your family the way nature intended. It’s sure to put a smile on every diner’s face.

Thanksgiving is the gateway to the holiday season, and there’s no better time to start getting into the spirit than with a trip to the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees. This long-standing Memphis tradition has been delighting both children and adults for 65 years and counting. Magical animated characters set a festive tone as you make your way through a twinkling forest to the Gingerbread Village. Guests can marvel at the model train and Christmas village, and also get a picture with Santa.

For some Black Friday shopping, head to the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville to find something for everyone on your Nice list. This sweeping expanse of outlet stores offers something for everyone, from fashions and accessories to fragrance, toys, housewares, and more.

Granted, sports on Thanksgiving Day should be all about football. But no one said anything about not enjoying hockey the night before. Grab some seats at the Bridgestone Arena and watch the Nashville Predators take on the Montreal Canadiens. The game starts at 7 p.m., leaving you enough time to rest up for the next day’s eating extravaganza.

This Native American museum takes you back through time when the Chucalissa indians flourished along the Mississippi River. This archeological site lets visitors discover more about the rich culture of this group. The site includes an Indian mound, archeology lab, exhibits, and more fun for both kids and adults.

This family-friendly four-mile walk/run race will make you all the more ready to sit down to a yummy feast. Start your Thanksgiving at 8 a.m. with a medal and race shirt awaiting you after you cross the finish line. All proceeds go to benefit various charities.

You may already know what you’re thankful for, but do know how many people are thankful for you? You might not notice the difference you make when you volunteer, but that doesn’t mean your efforts go unappreciated. This Thanksgiving, consider partnering with Nashville Rescue Mission to provide food to area families and individuals who may otherwise not have a holiday meal. Contact the organization to find out how just a couple hours of your time can make someone else’s entire day.